The Snowiest Town In America Is A Gorgeous Waterfront Alaskan Gem For Outdoor Adventures

Imagine living in a town buried under 300 inches of snow each year. It might seem impossible, but that's the reality for residents of Valdez, Alaska. As the snowiest town in America, Valdez is a winter wonderland and a place where skiers and snowboarders dream of testing their skills. In the Chugach Mountains just outside of town, an astonishing 600 to 900 inches of snow falls each year, creating some of America's most pristine powder conditions. Valdez's isolation means untouched backcountry terrain that stretches as far as the eye can see, and it's what makes Alaska one of the snowiest states to visit for skiing and snowboarding.

Valdez's setting is breathtaking. The Chugach Mountains surround the town and drop steeply into Prince William Sound. You can soak up the views from the center of town with a wander along the boardwalk and through the cruise and ferry terminal. Outdoor adventures begin right in town in Valdez, and cross-country skiers and snowshoers can check out the in-town trails to places like Meals Hill and Dock Point, where you'll have picturesque views over the bay. The best part is that Prince William Sound College loans out equipment like skis and snowshoes for free! These in-town trails are just a taster of the real adventures waiting in the Chugach Mountains.

For experienced skiers or boarders, heli-skiing is a must-try in Valdez. The town only has one ski lift, so to really experience the powder in the backcountry, you'll need to take to the skies. Your reward is epic wilderness, with miles of untouched snow waiting for you to make your mark. The runs are challenging, and you'll need to be confident on your skis or board. Most heli-ski runs are more than 3,000 vertical feet long, offering unforgettable downhill riding.

Several operators offer heli-skiing packages, with some flying you up to stay in remote lodges. The heli-skiing experience doesn't come cheap; expect to pay around $1,600 for a one-day trip and thousands more for a lodge experience. The peak season for heli-skiing is March and April, when longer daylight hours give you more time on the slopes. Black Ops Valdez and Alaska Backcountry Guides are two operators to check out.

If you don't want to take a helicopter, you can ride a snowcat up to access long powder runs. For a more relaxed experience, beginners and families can head to Salmonberry Ski Hill, just 5 miles from town. The slopes are gentle, and lessons are available. A much wider network of ski runs is planned as Valdez develops, and it should include an incredible 4,700-foot vertical chairlift.

One thing you should never do when visiting Alaska is fail to prepare for the weather, and visiting the state in the winter can be especially daunting. However, while the extreme snowfall might suggest bone-chilling cold, winter temperatures in Valdez are surprisingly moderate, ranging between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit in March.

A huge perk of a winter visit is that Alaska is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the U.S. You can spot the spectacular phenomenon in Valdez from late summer all the way into spring. Another is the chance to spot wildlife, like bald eagles, moose, and otters, around town.

You can reach Valdez by air, land, and sea, even in the winter. It's a stunning 45-minute flight from Anchorage over the Chugach Mountains, though be aware that flights can be canceled due to the weather. Road trippers will need to be experienced winter drivers, as the Thompson Pass leading into Valdez can be treacherous. You can check the road conditions at 511.alaska.gov. A ferry runs from Whittier once a week in the winter and offers a scenic six-hour journey across Prince William Sound. Reaching Valdez is part of the adventure, and however you choose to get here, you'll need a backup plan.